Ardath L. Pierce

Ardath Pierce, 71, of Maple Park, formerly of Wheaton, Ill., passed away at her daughter’s home in North Riverside, in the early morning hours of Thursday, March 8, 2012, following a brief battle with cancer.

She was an avid gardener and loved baking and entertaining. She worked at the Batavia Jewel for almost 20 years, where she was known as “The Cookie Lady.”

She is survived by her sons, Timothy (Nancy) and Douglas Pierce; her daughter, Victoria (Phil Malhiot) Pierce; three granddaughters, Jennifer, Laura and Christina.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Oakley Pierce; and her parents, Alfred and Edna Prestebak.

Visitation and a funeral service to celebrate her life were held on March 12, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St. in Elburn. Rev. Roger Crites, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Geneva, officiated. Interment followed at Elm Lawn Memorial Park, Elmhurst, Ill.

A memorial has been established in her name to benefit Anderson Animal Shelter. Checks may be made to the “Ardath Pierce Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.